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MFI customers can pursue refunds MFI customers can pursue refunds
(5 days later)
Customers with outstanding orders with MFI can begin to claim back their money after the firm's administrators announced all would be given a refund.Customers with outstanding orders with MFI can begin to claim back their money after the firm's administrators announced all would be given a refund.
The chain ceased trading, with the closure of 111 stores and the loss of 1,400 jobs, after a bid to find a buyer for the business failed.The chain ceased trading, with the closure of 111 stores and the loss of 1,400 jobs, after a bid to find a buyer for the business failed.
Around 30,000 customers are said to be affected.Around 30,000 customers are said to be affected.
MFI went into administration last month as demand for new kitchens and bedrooms slumped, alongside the housing market.MFI went into administration last month as demand for new kitchens and bedrooms slumped, alongside the housing market.
Refunds offeredRefunds offered
Of its remaining customers who were left with outstanding orders, up to half had paid by debit card, cash or cheque.Of its remaining customers who were left with outstanding orders, up to half had paid by debit card, cash or cheque.
This meant that - like the firm's other creditors - they were relying on the administrators MCR to refund them.This meant that - like the firm's other creditors - they were relying on the administrators MCR to refund them.
A statement on the MFI website has invited them to apply for refunds, although it adds: "It is not yet possible to predict the timing of such refunds."A statement on the MFI website has invited them to apply for refunds, although it adds: "It is not yet possible to predict the timing of such refunds."
  • Those who paid by credit card or Visa debit card should contact their card providers. MFI FACTS Founded in 1964 as Mullard Furniture IndustriesMullard was the maiden name of the wife of one of the co-foundersStores sold for just £1 in 2006 to private equity firm Merchant Equity PartnersManagement buyout in September involved 110 stores MFI: A history
  • For customers who paid by cash, cheque or non-Visa debit cards, the administrators say they expect to issue a full refund by drawing on about £30m which has been frozen in various credit card company accounts.
  • These customers should complete a proof of debt form available from the administrator's website and send it to mfi@mcr.uk.com or 43-45 Portman Square, London W1H 6LY before January 21.
  • Customers who have paid in full for custom-made Kuchen Lab kitchens will receive the orders because they are individually designed to the buyer's requirements.
  • Customers with further queries can call 01405 744813 between 9am to 6pm Monday and Saturday.
  • Those who paid by credit card or Visa debit card should contact their card providers. MFI FACTS Founded in 1964 as Mullard Furniture IndustriesMullard was the maiden name of the wife of one of the co-foundersStores sold for just £1 in 2006 to private equity firm Merchant Equity PartnersManagement buyout in September involved 110 stores MFI: A history
  • For customers who paid by cash, cheque or non-Visa debit cards, the administrators say they expect to issue a full refund by drawing on about £30m which has been frozen in various credit card company accounts.
  • These customers should complete a proof of debt form available from the administrator's website and send it to mfi@mcr.uk.com or 43-45 Portman Square, London W1H 6LY before January 21.
  • Customers who have paid in full for custom-made Kuchen Lab kitchens will receive the orders because they are individually designed to the buyer's requirements.
  • Customers with further queries can call 01405 744813 between 9am to 6pm Monday and Saturday.
MCR could not say what redundancy payments would be made to the staff who had lost their jobs.MCR could not say what redundancy payments would be made to the staff who had lost their jobs.
Meanwhile, MFI's collapse is having knock-on effects for other companies.Meanwhile, MFI's collapse is having knock-on effects for other companies.
A huge warehouse used by MFI but run by logistics firm DHL will close on 23 February if a buyer is not found.A huge warehouse used by MFI but run by logistics firm DHL will close on 23 February if a buyer is not found.
The distribution centre, at Thorne, near Doncaster, employs 350 people.The distribution centre, at Thorne, near Doncaster, employs 350 people.
DHL said it would seek to redeploy as many staff as possible, but had so far found new posts for only 35 people.DHL said it would seek to redeploy as many staff as possible, but had so far found new posts for only 35 people.
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